The Thompson School District has placed Loveland High School Principal Michael James on administrative leave following a chaotic start to the school day Wednesday that resulted in a canceled school day.

The school district sent an email to LHS families and community members Friday afternoon, adding that Ferguson High School Principal Jason Germain would serve as interim principal effective immediately.

Wednesday’s incident began when teachers were notified during a staff meeting of a threat to the school that police had investigated and determined was not credible.

The school day continued, but several teachers left the school and advised students to do the same, according to two LHS seniors.

School was eventually canceled shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

James addressed staff and students during the morning announcements the following day, calling the incident a learning opportunity and reiterating that there was no sign that any students or staff were in danger.

Nancy Rumfelt, a member of the district’s board of education, released a statement Friday, prior to the announcement that James would be placed on leave, calling on the school board and the district to take further steps to find further details and share them with the public.

“I am calling on my fellow board members to empower Dr. Schaffer to create a committee to include a public safety officer, a parent, a teacher and two other individuals to independently audit and bring recommendations to the Board,” Rumfelt said in the statement.

She also said that she had requested the board take action, such as including a time for the public to provide feedback on the incident at the next board meeting, and an executive session to better understand why staff did not trust in the established process.

According to Rumfelt, both requests were not supported by a board majority.